They don't make it easy to visit and photograph the historic Fire Tower of Helena. We circled it…read moretwice before we found a parking lot for a closed business and were safe leaving the car there for the 20 minutes it took to climb up to the tower and get some pictures. It is a historic monument and icon for the city of Helena. Allegedly, there are only five of its kind still standing in all of the United States. The tower stands 25 feet tall and was built in 1876 after a huge fire destroyed much of the downtown Helena area. Called "The Guardian of the Gulch", it was manned around the clock to keep watch over the city. If a fire was spotted, the alarm was sounded to alert the town to begin fighting a fire. The Guardian is the last remaining tower of the many that once existed in Helena. It was last used in 1931. Certainly worth the effort to get close to it and see the history. The best trail is just off Cruse Avenue across from Broadway. There is a small hillside park with picnic tables.

We had a nice visit to the Capitol. They are doing construction on the outside of the building but…read morestill easy to get to parking that was close to the entrance. There is an information desk in the lobby and security. No need to check in or show ID. The lobby and mezzanine are open to the public. There are bathrooms on the first floor that have decor from the 40's. Very clean, well maintained building. There is also a post office on the first floor. The grounds on the outside were also very pretty and well maintained. We only stayed about 30 minutes, including buying a post card stamp so no need for a long visit. You can wander the halls and look into the senate, house and Supreme Court chambers. It was worth a visit.

I thought this was a cool experience. When we went we only saw like 6 other people in the capital…read more We did a self guided tour and it was a hot day so the AC was a nice break while taking in some history. There is construction so you have to use one of the side entrances. Kids might be bored but the adults will enjoy the history and the AC if it's a hot one outside.

The cobblestone roads and steep hills make this a fun walk back through time along Reeder's Alley…read more There are some interesting old buildings and fences, all that have signs of wear and tear, but plenty of life left for us to appreciate.

Reeder's Alley, one of Montana's oldest streets and longest survivors of man and nature, is a…read morebeautiful testament to the heart of Helena. It is on the national register of historic places and I could really feel the significance of this site when I was there. The alley is easy to miss as it is quite small and hidden from the new streets of Helena. However, there is a big arc sign over the start of the alley that says Reeder's Alley. Parking is on the street or in the few metered spots to the left of the alley. Walking through the arc, I was transported back in time. The brick road, brick buildings and log cabins are something that you don't see much of anymore. And the cracks and imperfections are all what signify the tragedies and realities that this place has gone through since the 1870's. There is an interpretive and convention center located in the back of the alley. Unfortunately, it wasn't open when I was there, but I'm sure there is a ton of interesting information about the place. It was awesome to see that the brick buildings are in use as well. There are several different businesses that are being run inside the alley like Dundee's Barber Shop, Saigon Alley, Top Sign and Graphics and Helena's Visitor Center. They also have one of my favorite things. A little free library. It's where you take a book and replace it with one of your own. Fun for everyone! Overall, Reeder's Alley shows a great deal of strength, heart and willingness to keep it's history alive and thriving.

Employees don't seem to do anything to ensure people using computers keep them clean. I often find…read morefood debris at computers. Also parking is terrible. Needs to be relocated to an area with better parking.

Ignore the 8 or 10 year old griping. This is a wonderful library and we are so lucky to have it in…read moreHelena. Be sure to check out the spectacular mobile in the main area. The electronic resources are incredible. So many programs for people of all ages. Highly recommended.

Montana was added as a state in 1860 or so. Back in the day Montana couldnt afford to make dirt…read moreroads so individuals can make em and charge a toll. Thats what some frenchy did back in 1860s. The road was popular cause it connected parts of Idaho and the Montana lakes to Helena. If you look at the map this road was statregic. The sign will state the grim story of what transpired as the frenchwomen was murdered and robbed. Her husband booked it too so he might have whacked her. Legend has it the locals liked the frenchwomen. Her name is unknown and she collected the toll in a nearby kiosk/cabin where weary travelers could sleep on the floor. The frenchwomen had a reputation for being a bomb chef so travelers were able to eat, possibly the best meals in their lives. The surroundings are beautiful!!! Good place to stretch and bask in the sun and breath the fresh air. Helena is appx 30 min.

The capital of Montana it still has the old mining town feel but with all the modern business and…read morerestaurants next to historic landmarks. It has the nicest Cathedral I've ever been too. Right outside of town has lots of hiking and fishing spots